IN MEMORY OF
Sister Anita Louise Norwood Johnson
12-16-1946 - 07-20-2025
Funeral Information
Location:
New Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
Date: 07-26-2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Time: 3:00 PM
Visitation Information
Location:
New Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
Date:
Time:
Time:
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Obituary
There is a sweet serenity in the life of one who clings to the cross. Such was the quiet strength of Sister Anita Louise Norwood Johnson—a woman of deep humility, steadfast faith, and a heart anchored in the love of Christ.
Born on December 16, 1946, in the close-knit community of Havana, Florida, Anita Louise Norwood Johnson was the cherished daughter of the now-late William Norwood and Maisie Lou Blount Norwood. She was lovingly nurtured in Gadsden County, where the pillars of faith, family, and perseverance shaped her early years. A proud product of the Gadsden County Public School System, Anita graduated with the Class of 1964 from Northside High School in Havana—laying the foundation for a life marked by quiet strength and unwavering commitment. Following her graduation, she continued her educational journey at Florida A&M University, embracing the pursuit of excellence that would define her path forward.
In 1965, Anita relocated to Tallahassee, Florida, where she would establish a life, build a legacy, and form bonds that would shape generations. It was here that she met and fell in love with Mr. James Johnson. On Christmas Day, a date befitting such a sacred union, the two were joined in holy matrimony. Together, they shared 30 beautiful years of marriage, defined by unwavering love, devotion, and partnership—until his passing in 1996. Though separated by time, their love endured in Anita’s heart every day.
Anita dedicated many years of service to the Florida Department of Labor, where she served as a Senior Clerical Specialist. She approached her work with grace, accuracy, and kindness—always dependable, always humble. Whether supporting colleagues or quietly tending to her responsibilities, she did so without fanfare, but always with excellence.
Anita possessed a unique and God-given gift for all things home and heart. A skilled home economics specialist, she brought joy and comfort through her baking, sewing, cooking, and decorating. Her home radiated warmth, and her table was always a place of welcome. She delighted in watching faith-based programming on TBN, shopping her favorite finds on QVC, and cherishing quiet moments with family. Every act of love was expressed through her hands—and every meal, every stitch, every detail was an offering of grace.
Above all else, Anita was a worshipper. A devoted and faithful member of New Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, she served and praised God with her whole heart until her health no longer permitted her physical presence. Yet, even in illness, her prayer remained fervent: “Jesus, keep me near the cross.”
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, the Lord answered her prayer—not with prolonged suffering, but with eternal peace. In His infinite love, He called her by name, and she answered—not with fear, but with faith. Anita slipped from time into eternity, exchanging her cross for a crown of righteousness from the Righteous Judge.
“...Till my raptured soul shall find...”
She has now found... rest beyond the River.
Sister Anita Johnson’s life was not lived for accolades, but for impact. It was not marked by grandeur, but by grace. Her life was full—of purpose, love, joy, and service. Her memory is a blessing, her example a guide, and her soul is now at peace near the cross she so dearly clung to.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Stephenese Johnson of Tallahassee, Florida; her loving brothers, Willie (Nakita) Norwood of DeBary, Florida, and Robert (Chattie) Norwood of Havana, Florida; and her dear sisters, Matherlyn (George) Smith of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Conastine Morgan of Jacksonville, Florida, Rev. Yurikadeeja (Anthony) Williams of Tallahassee, Florida, and Kathylyn Hill of Havana, Florida. She is also lovingly remembered by her uncle, Freddie Norwood of Huntersville, North Carolina.
Anita was blessed with two godchildren, Angela Bell Thomas and Shantell Johnson, both of Tallahassee, Florida, and ten treasured god-grandchildren: Abishi Thomas, Makya Hollman, Amari Hollman, Jasmine Bush, Genesis Thomas, Mercedes Wiggins, Avince Burch, Memphis Thomas, Noah Thomas, and Ethan Thomas. She is further survived by her brothers-in-law, Eddie Johnson, Josephus (Anna) Johnson, Willie (Sandra) Johnson, and Robert (Pat) Johnson; and one sister-in-law, Starlye Norwood; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to this loving circle, countless other sorrowing relatives, comforting friends, and her uplifting New Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church family join in honoring her legacy and celebrating a life well lived.
She was preceded in eternal rest by her beloved husband, James Johnson; her parents, William and Maisie Norwood; her daughter, Shalanda Johnson; her brothers, Donald Edward Norwood and William Norwood, Jr.; brother-in-law: Earl J. Johnson; and her sister-in-law, Marilyn Johnson.
Born on December 16, 1946, in the close-knit community of Havana, Florida, Anita Louise Norwood Johnson was the cherished daughter of the now-late William Norwood and Maisie Lou Blount Norwood. She was lovingly nurtured in Gadsden County, where the pillars of faith, family, and perseverance shaped her early years. A proud product of the Gadsden County Public School System, Anita graduated with the Class of 1964 from Northside High School in Havana—laying the foundation for a life marked by quiet strength and unwavering commitment. Following her graduation, she continued her educational journey at Florida A&M University, embracing the pursuit of excellence that would define her path forward.
In 1965, Anita relocated to Tallahassee, Florida, where she would establish a life, build a legacy, and form bonds that would shape generations. It was here that she met and fell in love with Mr. James Johnson. On Christmas Day, a date befitting such a sacred union, the two were joined in holy matrimony. Together, they shared 30 beautiful years of marriage, defined by unwavering love, devotion, and partnership—until his passing in 1996. Though separated by time, their love endured in Anita’s heart every day.
Anita dedicated many years of service to the Florida Department of Labor, where she served as a Senior Clerical Specialist. She approached her work with grace, accuracy, and kindness—always dependable, always humble. Whether supporting colleagues or quietly tending to her responsibilities, she did so without fanfare, but always with excellence.
Anita possessed a unique and God-given gift for all things home and heart. A skilled home economics specialist, she brought joy and comfort through her baking, sewing, cooking, and decorating. Her home radiated warmth, and her table was always a place of welcome. She delighted in watching faith-based programming on TBN, shopping her favorite finds on QVC, and cherishing quiet moments with family. Every act of love was expressed through her hands—and every meal, every stitch, every detail was an offering of grace.
Above all else, Anita was a worshipper. A devoted and faithful member of New Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, she served and praised God with her whole heart until her health no longer permitted her physical presence. Yet, even in illness, her prayer remained fervent: “Jesus, keep me near the cross.”
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, the Lord answered her prayer—not with prolonged suffering, but with eternal peace. In His infinite love, He called her by name, and she answered—not with fear, but with faith. Anita slipped from time into eternity, exchanging her cross for a crown of righteousness from the Righteous Judge.
“...Till my raptured soul shall find...”
She has now found... rest beyond the River.
Sister Anita Johnson’s life was not lived for accolades, but for impact. It was not marked by grandeur, but by grace. Her life was full—of purpose, love, joy, and service. Her memory is a blessing, her example a guide, and her soul is now at peace near the cross she so dearly clung to.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Stephenese Johnson of Tallahassee, Florida; her loving brothers, Willie (Nakita) Norwood of DeBary, Florida, and Robert (Chattie) Norwood of Havana, Florida; and her dear sisters, Matherlyn (George) Smith of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Conastine Morgan of Jacksonville, Florida, Rev. Yurikadeeja (Anthony) Williams of Tallahassee, Florida, and Kathylyn Hill of Havana, Florida. She is also lovingly remembered by her uncle, Freddie Norwood of Huntersville, North Carolina.
Anita was blessed with two godchildren, Angela Bell Thomas and Shantell Johnson, both of Tallahassee, Florida, and ten treasured god-grandchildren: Abishi Thomas, Makya Hollman, Amari Hollman, Jasmine Bush, Genesis Thomas, Mercedes Wiggins, Avince Burch, Memphis Thomas, Noah Thomas, and Ethan Thomas. She is further survived by her brothers-in-law, Eddie Johnson, Josephus (Anna) Johnson, Willie (Sandra) Johnson, and Robert (Pat) Johnson; and one sister-in-law, Starlye Norwood; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to this loving circle, countless other sorrowing relatives, comforting friends, and her uplifting New Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church family join in honoring her legacy and celebrating a life well lived.
She was preceded in eternal rest by her beloved husband, James Johnson; her parents, William and Maisie Norwood; her daughter, Shalanda Johnson; her brothers, Donald Edward Norwood and William Norwood, Jr.; brother-in-law: Earl J. Johnson; and her sister-in-law, Marilyn Johnson.